Let's continue that walk down memory lane. As we’ve mentioned before, Montmartre was the hangout spot during the Belle Époque so we figured it may be fun to walk along these quintessential winding cobblestone streets and take a step into the past. After leaving Place du Tertre, make your way up to the Musée de Montmartre, which was where many famous writers and artists called home back in the day. From there walk down to Le Bateau-Lavoir, the once famous studio, home, and unofficial club for many of the early 20th century artists, writers, and bohemians. A fire destroyed everything but the façade in May 1970, but it was completely rebuilt eight years later.
From here, walk back up to Rue Lepic from Rue d’Orchampt and on your left hand side you will see the home of Dalida (11B Rue d’Orchampt). It’s the one with the red roof and light brown exterior. You can’t visit inside the home but you can imagine Dalida roaming around her cherished neighborhood, shopping and eating on this very street. If you turn right on Rue Lepic you can find La Cave de Gaston Leroux, a small wine bar which is still run by the great grand daughter of the author of the Phantom of the Opera.
Turn around and continue down Rue Lepic and you will see the famous Moulin de la Galette restaurant topped by the original Moulin Radet. Like the vineyards, Montmartre used to have many functioning windmills of which only two remain today, Moulin Radet and Moulin Blute-Fin, which is the only functioning windmill still standing in Paris. The windmills were purchased by the Debray family in the early 1800s where they made a brown bread, better known as galette (and if you haven’t had one yet in Paris, you should remedy that asap!). One last fun fact about the windmills, many of those famous artists we keep mentioning have showcased the Moulin de la Galette in their paintings, such as Renoir’s, Bal du moulin de la Galette.
As you curve around and down the street, you will eventually come by 54 Rue Lepic on your left hand side. This was the home of van Gogh, where he lived with his brother, Theo, until 1888. Continuing on, you will follow Rue Lepic which will turn right. You should see a busy cafe on the corner. You may recognize it but if not, Cafe des Deux Moulins is the famous Amélie cafe. If you are a fan, it maybe worth stopping by. You will undoubtedly be elbow to elbow with tourists but you can definitely enjoy a drink and snap a few pictures.
Well that’s it for your mini tour through history along Rue Lepic! Hope you enjoyed it!
